SAFETY ADVICE

How to avoid(almost) every scam

Estimated time to read: 2 Minutes

Scams come in all shapes and sizes. It could be a hidden subscription fee, an overpriced hotel, various online scams … the list is endless. We can not write about every scam, but we can give you a basic rule of thumb to avoid scams.

"Too-Good-To-Be-True" Rule

Chances are high that you have heard of this rule already a couple times in your life – and for a reason. It works.

What does “too good” mean?

Something is too good to be true – if it is exactly that.

Some classic examples:

Finding a flat in a very good area, but the price is in comparison (too) low. Most of them are scammers.

Making fast money = almost always a scam(if it would work, all people would do it and it would be no secret)

Online shops with bad design and no online reputation offering goods at very low prices

Online dealers who are brand new to a platform and offer goods at very low prices.

Who wants my information?

Phishing scammers do not only come through your email. Some try to call you, pretending to be working for your bank and asking you for your bank information in a convincing manner.

Whenever you are asked to exchange personal information you should be alerted. If the person who wants your information is putting pressure on you, you can almost be sure that something is wrong.

Reporting Scams

How and where you can report scams depends on your location. To find out you can simply enter “report scam + [your location]” into Google.